Stop & Shop Hits the Brakes on Fuel Prices

QUINCY, Mass., April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time to combat the pinch at the pump, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC and Shell, the No. 1 selling gasoline brand in the U.S., are announcing the expansion of Stop & Shop's Gas Rewards program to customers across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New York. Starting Friday, April 29th, customers will be able to redeem their Gas Rewards points at approximately 600 participating Shell stations in addition to more than 70 existing Stop & Shop gas stations throughout the Northeast.

Stop & Shop's Gas Rewards program originally launched in 2008 with Stop & Shop branded gas stations, and had since expanded in Massachusetts last May to select markets with participating Shell stations. With Gas Rewards, for every dollar spent at Stop & Shop on qualifying purchases, customers will earn one point, and for every 100 points they will receive 10 cents off per gallon of their next fuel purchase at Stop & Shop and participating Shell stations. Stop & Shop and Shell customers can save 10 cents, 20 cents, 30 cents or more per gallon (up to $2.20 off per gallon) by shopping at Stop & Shop with the Stop & Shop loyalty card.

"Our alliance with Shell means more choice and more value for customers," said Mark McGowan, division president of Stop & Shop New England. "While Gas Rewards has already been a success with customers for the past few years, the added ability to save on fuel with Shell helps our customers realize the full potential for savings, which they can achieve through their gas points."

"We recognize that Americans are continuing to approach purchasing decisions with caution, even for everyday necessities such as fuel. That's why it's more important than ever for companies like Shell and Stop & Shop to join forces to offer customers optimum savings and rewards at the pump," said Dan Little, North America fuels marketing manager for Shell Oil Products U.S. "We are thrilled to expand these savings to Stop & Shop and Shell customers throughout the Northeast."

In addition to earning points on regular qualifying grocery purchases, savvy shoppers can load up on added savings and points in several ways: through weekly bonus point items that are promoted in the Stop & Shop circular and in store (these offers are currently valid in New England stores only); Peapod by Stop & Shop home delivery purchases; and out-of-pocket purchases at any Stop & Shop pharmacy (with some exception). Once points are earned they can be redeemed at any Stop & Shop gas station or participating Shell station within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Stop & Shop's Gas Rewards program is one of the many benefits provided by the Stop & Shop loyalty card, including discounts throughout the store with weekly specials, personalized exclusive mailings and a customized account page to view and keep track of savings and rewards.

"With Gas Rewards, Stop & Shop customers get the most value every time they shop," said Ron Onorato, division president of Stop & Shop New York Metro. "We will continue to explore and deliver programs and partnerships like this that provide real value to our customers when they need it most."

How Gas Rewards Works:

When customers shop with their Stop & Shop card, they automatically earn points toward gas. For every $1 spent on qualifying purchases, one point is earned.

For every 100 points earned, customers can receive 10 cents off per gallon at the pump.

Gas Reward points are automatically added to shopper's Stop & Shop loyalty card. Customers can track their points on their receipt, online, through the new Stop & Shop mobile app, or by calling the Stop & Shop Card Hotline at 1-877-366-2668.

Gas Rewards points may be redeemed at all Stop & Shop gas stations and at more than 600 participating Shell stations throughout the Northeast.

At Stop & Shop gas station pumps, a customer scans their Stop & Shop wallet card or key tag and fills up on savings. At Shell pumps, a customer swipes their Stop & Shop wallet card or enters the 13-digit number from the key tag.

Customers may use up to 2,200 points at each redemption, with a 35 gallon maximum per vehicle per fill-up.

The program is not available in New Jersey due to restrictions applicable in that state.

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs nearly 62,000 associates and operates more than 390 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promotes general health and wellness – with an emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program; has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores; and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.

About Shell

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of approximately 6,100 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group [(NYSE: RDS.A) and (NYSE: RDS.B)]. Shell Oil Company is a 50 percent owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining, Inc. Motiva Enterprises LLC refines and markets branded products through approximately 8,200 Shell-branded stations in the Eastern and Southern United States.

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.